Driving Impressions - 2010 Mercedes-Benz GLK 350 4matic
Those that know me know I have never been a fan of sport utility vehicles. I was surprised then, after driving the new Mercedes-Benz GLK 350, that this little SUV was a car I would be proud enough to call my own.
Witnessing the GLK in the flesh for the first time, I was surprised at how compact it was. There’s nothing excessive about the proportions of this vehicle. Yet, inside, there is plenty of room for 5 adults and their gear. Climbing on board, I was greeted with a familiar Mercedes-Benz interior. All the controls were laid out in a logical manner and everything fell to hand nicely. The dashboard was a nice interpretation of the typical C class theme, however, a navigation screen is integrated into the top of the center stack, which is very legible and includes a camera mode on the screen when in reverse gear.
Taking to the road, I could have mistaken that I was in a C350 sedan. The size of this vehicle is excellent for around town maneuvers and the 7 speed automatic is smooth and unobtrusive. The 3.5 liter V6 has plenty of power (268 horsepower) and the steering, suspension and brakes all felt like they would on a Mercedes-Benz sedan. It’s an amazing feat, this little truck. How Mercedes-Benz was able to incorporate typical sport sedan feel into a small SUV baffles me. The one thing which might not be to everyone’s liking is the fact that you do sit rather low for an SUV, but I wasn’t bothered by this at all. It made you feel that you were in a regular car instead of a truck. The GLK can also be ordered with or without 4matic all wheel drive. In my opinion, I wouldn’t opt for the 4matic, as it adds to the weight of the vehicle, increases gas consumption slightly and with electronic stability and traction control, you really don’t need all wheel drive, unless you live in a harsh climate.
At $33,900, the GLK 350 is a bargain. Since Mercedes-Benz is not importing their C class wagon as of yet, the GLK is as close to a small people mover we are going to get from the folks at the three pointed star. If all SUVs drove this well and were this well rounded, this vehicle segment might make more sense.